IRS Warns People About These Common Tax Scams

person typing on a computer
Via Wikimedia Commons
Shiavon Chatman
March 4, 2022

From January 24 to April 18, it’s tax time! Filling out the forms can’t be your only worry, though.

Whether you’re expecting a return or not, the IRS is warning Americans about some serious scams to look out for!

Tax season scams are getting more sophisticated and harder to avoid. Scammers target people’s personal information on the internet and even their phones! 

Here are two of the most common scams.

#1: “Recalculation” Scams – If you’re emailed and told you’re entitled to a bigger tax refund, don't believe it! This might seem legit because scammers use convincing language and even the IRS logo, but this is a “recalculation” scam.

The fraudster will ask you to click a link and provide personal information to get the rest of your tax return. Remember, the IRS won’t EVER email you for ANY information.

#2: Phone scams

Scammers will use threatening, pre-recorded messages asking you to call back if you don’t want to be jailed or forced to pay fines. The IRS also won’t ever call you for any information!

What to do if you or a loved one has been scammed? First, contact the IRS immediately! File your return by mail, and sign up for alerts on your bank accounts and credit report so you’ll know if any funny business happens.

We have a quick favor to ask:

PushBlack Finance is a nonprofit dedicated to raising up Black voices. We are a small team but we have an outsized impact:

  • We reach tens of millions of people with our BLACK FINANCIAL NEWS & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT STORIES every year.
  • We fight for ECONOMIC JUSTICE to protect our community.
  • We run VOTING CAMPAIGNS that reach over 10 million African-Americans across the country.

And as a nonprofit, we rely on small donations from subscribers like you.

With as little as $5 a month, you can help PushBlack raise up Black voices. It only takes a minute, so will you please ?

Share This Article: